The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
